IIT Guwahati Celebrates International Women’s Day 2026: A Unified Vision for Inclusion and Resilience

The Senate Hall at IIT Guwahati transformed into a hub of cultural vibrancy and intellectual discourse to honour International Women’s Day

Published 6 March 2026 | Category Community & Outreach

In a vibrant display of community spirit, the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati marked International Women’s Day 2026 with an event at the Senate Hall. Guided by the theme "Give to Gain," the afternoon brought together students, staff, faculty, and their families to honour the contributions of women and discuss pathways towards a more equitable future.

The proceedings were anchored by Professor Pahi Saikia from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Perspectives on Leadership and Justice

The event opened with an address by Professor Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, who reaffirmed the commitment of the Institute to fostering an inclusive community. This was followed by insights from distinguished speakers

Smt Violet Baruah, IPS (retd), shared her experience in law enforcement, detailing the complexities of breaking systemic barriers and the evolving nature of justice in a changing world.

Dr M. S. Lakshmi Priya, IAS, addressed the critical importance of mental resilience in overcoming professional hurdles.

Dr Purnima Jalihal spoke about her work that underscored the role of women in science as a force for tangible social change.

Drawing from her research in Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) and desalination, Dr Jalihal spoke about processes that utilise the natural temperature differences  in the sea to produce potable water in remote coastal communities.

Cultural Vibrancy and Community Fellowship

The event also included a series of vibrant cultural performances and quizzes by staff, faculty, and students.

The celebration concluded with a prize distribution for the community sports competitions held earlier in the week, and was followed by high tea.